Things To Do
in Settara

Settara is a small, rural town in northeastern Algeria set amid the rolling foothills of the Tell Atlas near the Mediterranean coast. The town serves as a quiet agricultural and market center for surrounding olive groves, small farms and forested hills. Visitors will find an authentic Algerian provincial atmosphere — low-key cafés, lively weekly markets and scenic drives to nearby coastal cliffs.

Settara is a base for simple nature trips and local cultural encounters rather than big-city services or tourist infrastructure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Settara
morning
:

Begin your adventure with a hike through the lush landscapes surrounding Settara, where the sounds of nature awaken with the dawn. Stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the early light casting shadows over the chiseled hills. As you wander, you may encounter local flora and fauna, enriching your connection to this beautiful region.

afternoon
:

After a relishing lunch of traditional Algerian couscous at a local café, delve into the vibrant culture of Settara by visiting the local artisan shops that showcase handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps participate in a workshop to create your own souvenir. As the sun reaches its zenith, lay back at a shaded area in town, sipping on mint tea while enjoying the lively atmosphere around you.

evening
:

As dusk falls, partake in a culinary experience at a restaurant known for its Berber dishes, where spices and flavors come to life in the dim candlelight. Stroll through the town's main square, where locals gather, and experience the vibrant energy as traditional music fills the air. End the evening by watching the stars emerge over the calming hills, reflecting on a day richly filled with exploration.

day 2
Historical Sites Tour
morning
:

Embark on a journey through Settara’s history by visiting ancient ruins that tell tales of the past. The early hours provide a serene atmosphere to explore these sites before the crowds arrive. Listen to the stories of guides who share insights into the significance of each location.

afternoon
:

After exploring, enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby café that serves local delicacies, allowing you to refuel for the next leg of your tour. Post-lunch, visit a nearby museum to learn more about the region's history and cultural evolution. Take your time absorbing the historical richness, as each artifact holds the essence of Algerian heritage.

evening
:

As night approaches, bring your day to a close with an outdoor dining experience at a restaurant that offers a picturesque view of the ruins you visited earlier. Share stories and laughter with fellow travelers, enjoying authentic dishes as the ambience comes alive under twinkling lights. Capture the moment with a few photographs that blend history and evening charm.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
Coffee or tea at a café$0.80-2
🥐Street snack or pastry$0.50-1.50
🚖Short taxi ride (local)$1.50-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Algerian atmosphere and friendly local interactions
  • Close access to Mediterranean coastline and quiet natural scenery
  • Low cost compared with tourist hubs
  • Good for photography, hiking and cultural immersion
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
  • Restricted nightlife and few entertainment options
  • Public transport is limited; a car or arranging transfers is often necessary
  • Medical facilities in town are basic; serious care requires travel to larger cities
  • "Salam / السلام" - Hello / Peace
  • "Shukran / شكرا" - Thank you
  • "Afak / عفاك" - Please (Algerian dialect)
  • "Besh-hal? / بقداه؟" - How much?
  • "Win…? / وين…؟" - Where is…?
  • "Naam / نعم — La / لا" - Yes — No
  • "Merci" - Thank you (French commonly understood)
  • "Smahli / سمحلي" - Excuse me / Sorry (Algerian dialect)

Places to Visit in Settara

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Market and Streets

Lively market scenes, colorful produce stalls, and everyday life provide candid street photography opportunities in the morning.

Olive Groves and Hillsides

Terraced groves and rolling hills offer scenic landscapes, especially at golden hour when light softens on the trees.

Coastal Cliffs and Sea Views (nearby)

Short drives to the Mediterranean shoreline reveal dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches and sunset vistas perfect for wide-angle shots.

Village Alleys and Traditional Houses

Narrow lanes, textured walls and domestic life in neighboring villages make for intimate cultural portraits—always ask permission before photographing people.

Culinary Guide

Food in Settara

Cuisine around Settara reflects broader northeastern Algerian and Mediterranean traditions: olive oil, fresh vegetables, bread, couscous and seafood on coastal menus. Meals are typically hearty, flavored with local spices, and often served family-style. You’ll find small, family-run restaurants and street vendors rather than international chains. Expect food to be mostly halal and strongly influenced by Arab and Amazigh cooking traditions.

Settara Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Couscous

Staple dish of steamed semolina served with stewed vegetables and meat (lamb or chicken); widely available at family restaurants and market lunches.

Must-Try!

Chorba

A warming tomato-and-spice-based soup often served as a starter or light meal, especially during cooler months and Ramadan.

Grilled Seafood

Fresh catches from the Mediterranean — grilled fish or calamari — commonly served in coastal eateries a short drive from Settara.

Mhadjeb / M'semen

Savory stuffed flatbreads or layered pancakes found at street stalls and bakeries; good for breakfast or a snack on the go.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Town Market (Souq)

Weekly market where farmers sell olives, cheeses, fresh bread, vegetables and homemade preserves; try fresh olives, local pastries and small sandwiches from vendors.

Street Stalls and Bakeries

Small bakeries and street vendors sell mhadjeb, flatbreads, fried snacks and strong coffee — ideal for quick, affordable tastings.

Climate Guide

Weather

Settara experiences a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rain mainly falls between November and March, while spring brings blooming hills and autumn offers pleasant temperatures. Coastal influence moderates extremes, but inland foothills can be cooler at night and wetter in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

Greet people politely with 'Salam' or a handshake (among same-gender acquaintances). Use respectful language and address elders formally. Men and women may have different greeting customs; follow the lead of locals.

Modest Dress

Dress modestly in town and especially when visiting religious sites—covering shoulders and knees is advisable for both men and women to show respect.

Photography Etiquette

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders. Many locals are friendly but cautious about being photographed.

Ramadan Considerations

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public daylight hours out of respect. Many businesses may have reduced hours; evenings are livelier after sunset.

Safety Guide

Safety

Settara is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime; however, petty theft can occur anywhere, so use common-sense precautions (secure valuables, avoid poorly lit areas at night). Road conditions in rural areas may be narrow and winding—drive carefully and watch for pedestrians and livestock. Stay informed about local conditions, carry identification, and have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

Tipping in Settara

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is common; round up taxi fares or leave small change for drivers and helpers. For guides, a modest tip acknowledges good service.

Currency and Cards

The local currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD). Cash is king in small towns like Settara; credit and debit cards are less commonly accepted outside larger towns and hotels.

ATMs and Money Exchange

ATMs and currency exchange services are more likely in larger nearby towns (e.g., Jijel). Carry enough cash for rural excursions and check ATM availability before you travel.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry inland with higher humidity closer to the coast; temperatures can be high in July–August. Coastal breezes make beach excursions pleasant; carry sun protection, water and light clothing.

Autumn

Mild and comfortable temperatures with occasional rain later in the season; foliage in the hills and olive harvest activities make autumn a pleasant time to visit.

Winter

Mild to cool with most of the annual rainfall occurring November–March; occasional chilly nights in the hills. Some rural tracks may be muddy—bring waterproof shoes.

Spring

One of the nicest seasons with wildflowers, green hills and comfortable temperatures—ideal for hiking and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Settara at Night

Settara has a quiet, low-key nightlife typical of small Algerian towns: cafés and tea houses are the main social venues where locals gather in the evening. For livelier nightlife—restaurants with extended hours, bars or cultural events—travel to nearby coastal towns or the city of Jijel. Expect late-evening socializing rather than music clubs or bars in Settara itself.

Hiking in Settara

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tell Atlas Foothill Trails

Networks of rural tracks and forest paths in the foothills offer short to moderate hikes with olive groves, wildflowers in spring, and views toward the sea.

Coastal Cliff Walks

Walks along nearby Mediterranean cliffs and coves provide dramatic scenery and opportunities for sunrise or sunset photography.

Village-to-Village Routes

Short walking routes connecting Settara with neighboring villages let hikers experience rural life, local agriculture and small-scale landscapes at an easy pace.

Airports

How to reach Settara by plane.

Jijel Ferhat Abbas Airport (GJL)

The closest regional airport serving Jijel and surroundings; from the airport you can reach Settara by road via taxis or rented car—travel time varies depending on exact location and road conditions.

Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf Airport (CZL)

Larger regional airport with more frequent domestic connections; typically a longer drive to Settara but useful for flights from Algiers or other Algerian cities, followed by bus or taxi connections.

Annaba Rabah Bitat Airport (AAE)

Another regional airport serving northeastern Algeria; useful as an alternative if coordinating regional travel, with onward ground transportation to reach Settara.

Getting Around

Walkability

The compact town center is easily walkable on foot; streets are modestly sized and most daily needs (market, cafés) are reachable by short walks. For visiting outlying viewpoints, beaches or other villages, you will need a car, taxi or shared transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural Agricultural Families

Many residents work in farming, olive cultivation and small-scale livestock; communities are family-oriented and maintain traditional lifestyles.

Younger Population

Like much of Algeria, there is a significant youth demographic; younger residents often travel to larger towns for education or work.

Arab and Amazigh Heritage

The region reflects a mix of Arabized and Amazigh (Berber) cultural influences in language, customs and place names.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Algeria, widely played and followed in Settara and nearby towns with local matches and youth teams.

Handball

Handball is commonly played in schools and clubs in the region and enjoys local interest.

Coastal and Recreational Fishing

Fishing from the shore and small boats is a common pastime in coastal communities near Settara; many locals fish for leisure and subsistence.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Settara is generally light; roads are narrow and mostly used by local cars, motorcycles and small trucks. Intercity travel relies on buses, shared taxis ('grand taxis') and private vehicles—schedules can be infrequent. Driving standards vary and rural roads may be poorly lit at night, so drive cautiously.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Settara.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but may be limited in small towns. Look for couscous with vegetables, salads, soups (chorba without meat) and breads; ask for vegetable-only preparations and use phrases in French or Arabic to clarify.

Vegan

More challenging but possible: focus on vegetable stews, lentil dishes and salads; communicate dietary needs clearly and avoid dishes prepared with butter or animal stock.

Halal / Religious Restrictions

Most meat sold and served locally follows halal practice; pork is uncommon and alcoholic drinks are rarely served in small towns.

Gluten-free

Wheat-based breads and couscous are common; ask ahead and favor grilled meats, salads and vegetable stews if avoiding gluten.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Settara likely has a basic clinic for minor ailments and first aid. For hospitals, specialists or emergency care you may need to travel to the provincial center (Jijel) or larger cities (e.g., Constantine or Annaba). Carry necessary prescription medicines with original packaging, bring a basic first-aid kit, and ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if required.

Discover Algeria

Read more in our Algeria 2025 Travel Guide.

Algeria Travel Guide